The Nigerian Senate was thrown into heated chaos following a disagreement over a motion to immortalize former National Electoral Commission (NEC) chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu. The session, which was expected to proceed smoothly, quickly turned into a shouting match as lawmakers clashed over the proposal.
The Controversy Surrounding the Motion
The motion, introduced by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, aimed to recognize Professor Humphrey Nwosu for his role in Nigeria’s democratic history, particularly his involvement in conducting the June 12, 1993, presidential election—an election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest but later annulled by the then-military government.
However, not all senators were in support of the motion, leading to strong opposition and heated exchanges during the plenary.
Senators Clash Over the Motion
Supporters of the Motion: Some senators backed the call to honor Nwosu, arguing that he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy and deserved to be remembered for his contributions.
Opponents of the Motion: Others opposed the motion, stating that Nwosu had failed to publicly stand by the election results and therefore did not merit such recognition. Some argued that only winners of the June 12 election, like MKO Abiola, should be honored, while others felt the matter was not a priority for the Senate.
As tensions escalated, voices were raised, and senators engaged in a verbal exchange, causing a temporary disruption of the session.
Senator Abaribe Walks Out of Plenary
Following the rejection of his motion, Senator Abaribe staged a walkout from the Senate chamber, expressing frustration over the outcome. He insisted that the recognition of Professor Nwosu was long overdue and accused his colleagues of playing politics with Nigeria’s democratic history.
Reactions from Nigerians
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across the country:
Pro-democracy activists have condemned the rejection of the motion, arguing that Nigeria must acknowledge all figures who contributed to its democracy.
Some Nigerians believe that while Nwosu played a role in the June 12 election, he did not fight hard enough to defend the integrity of the results, making his legacy controversial.
Others see the Senate’s inability to reach an agreement as a reflection of deep-seated political divisions in the country.
What Happens Next?
Despite the setback, there are calls for the federal government to take independent action in recognizing and honoring Professor Humphrey Nwosu. Some lawmakers may also reintroduce the motion in the future for further deliberation. The shouting match in the Senate over Humphrey Nwosu’s legacy is a reminder of Nigeria’s complicated political history. Whether or not he is eventually immortalized, his role in conducting the June 12 election remains an undeniable part of the country’s democratic journey.
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Written By Fortune Davidson